The Computer Laboratory, formerly known as the Mathematical
Laboratory, was founded in 1937 to house a mechanical differential
analyser. After the war it became the centre for pioneering work on
electronic digital computers, and since 1950 has concentrated entirely
on the digital field. Two early computers were designed and built in
the Laboratory. The first of these was the EDSAC, which did its first
calculations in May 1949 and ran until July 1958. It was succeeded by
EDSAC 2, which was finally switched off in November 1965.

While the enthusiasm for building hardware has not diminished, the
Laboratory now houses a variety of commercially made computers. There
is also an assortment of specialised equipment used mainly in
connection with the Department's research work.